Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger Rescinds ICE Cooperation Order

On January 17, 2026, Abigail Spanberger was sworn in as Virginia's first female governor, promptly rescinding her predecessor Glenn Youngkin's Executive Order No. 47, which mandated cooperation between state and local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Spanberger's new directive, Executive Order No. 10, emphasizes that law enforcement should focus on local public safety rather than enforcing federal immigration laws. She stated, “Ensuring public safety in Virginia requires state and local law enforcement to be focused on their core responsibilities of investigating and deterring criminal activity” (Spanberger, 2026).

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Spanberger's decision comes amid a national debate over immigration enforcement practices, particularly those intensified during the Trump administration. The rescinded order had allowed local police to act as ICE agents under the federal 287(g) program, which critics argue diverts resources from community policing to immigration enforcement. Spanberger's administration aims to prioritize the safety of all residents, including immigrant communities, which played a significant role in her electoral victory, particularly in areas with large Latino populations.

Washington Examiner

The move has been celebrated by immigrant advocacy groups such as CASA in Action, whose Virginia Director, Luis Aguilar, remarked, “Today is a historic day for the Commonwealth... By repealing EO-47, Governor Spanberger has reaffirmed that Virginia stands for freedom for all.” Aguilar emphasized the importance of creating a safe environment for families without the fear of deportation.

Day One: Governor Spanberger ends Virginia’s ICE collaboration

Conversely, political opponents, including former Governor Youngkin and House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore, criticized Spanberger's decision. Youngkin defended his order, claiming it contributed to public safety by enabling law enforcement to collaborate with federal authorities in combating crime, particularly gang-related activities. Kilgore echoed this sentiment, arguing that Spanberger's actions contradict her campaign promise to promote public safety.

WJLA - ABC 7

Spanberger's executive order reflects a broader shift in Virginia's governance, moving from a Republican-led administration to a Democratic trifecta, with Democrats now controlling the governorship, House of Delegates, and Senate. This transition signals a potential reevaluation of immigration policies and law enforcement practices in the state, aligning with the Democratic Party's stance on immigration reform and community safety.

Washington Examiner

Spanberger's administration has framed the rescission of the ICE cooperation order as a necessary step to ensure that law enforcement resources are used effectively. In her inaugural address, she stated, “In Virginia, our hard-working, law-abiding immigrant neighbors will know that when we say that we will focus on the security and safety of all of our neighbors, we mean them too.”

Washington Examiner

While Spanberger's administration emphasizes the need for local law enforcement to focus on community safety, critics argue that the lack of collaboration with federal immigration enforcement could lead to increased crime rates. Youngkin claimed that states cooperating with federal authorities experience lower crime rates, a point contested by Spanberger's supporters who advocate for a more community-focused approach.

WJLA - ABC 7

• “Ensuring public safety in Virginia requires state and local law enforcement to be focused on their core responsibilities of investigating and deterring criminal activity, staffing jails, and community engagement,” — Abigail Spanberger, Governor of Virginia

Washington Examiner

• “This victory belongs to the immigrant communities who organized, spoke out, and refused to be silenced. By repealing EO-47, Governor Spanberger has reaffirmed that Virginia stands for freedom for all.” — Luis Aguilar, Virginia Director at CASA in Action

Day One: Governor Spanberger ends Virginia’s ICE collaboration

• “Collaboration with the federal government has been key to all of our gains in bringing down fentanyl overdose deaths, where we have led the nation, and it has been collaboration with the federal government.” — Glenn Youngkin, Former Governor of Virginia

WJLA - ABC 7

Spanberger's actions on her first day in office mark a significant shift in Virginia's approach to immigration enforcement, reflecting broader national trends and the evolving political landscape.

Washington Examiner